VVOLs and DataSphere Make a Perfect Match

We have recently discussed how DataSphere can accelerate
VVOL adoption and simplify
VVOL (Virtual Volume) environments. However, DataSphere also increases scalability
and simplifies management. Let’s examine each of these benefits in more detail.

A Smarter, More Scalable Architecture

Today’s VVOL environments require that each provider registers
with vCenter. Over time, the enterprise will be managing many datastores to get
the capabilities they need, often from multiple vendors. While initial
deployments may be simple, the environment will become harder and harder to
scale as arrays and their associated datastores proliferate.

DataSphere presents a
single VVOL datastore compromised of multiple storage types, including server
flash, SAN and NAS storage and the cloud, and is vendor-agnostic, so
enterprises can use the hardware of their choice. Scaling storage becomes a
simple exercise of adding a device of a given type to a global pool. DataSphere
also provides investment protection by allowing enterprises to use
VVOLs on existing hardware, instead of purchasing new VVOL-capable
hardware.

Seamless Storage Management

In traditional VVOL environments, enterprises must dedicate
capacity on arrays to meet a VM’s peak expected storage requirements. This
means that enterprises are always over-purchasing storage. Since this data is
rarely moved until VM retirement, these costs aggregate. The management burden
is continual, as Virtual Infrastructure Administrators have to think about the
best array to provision VMDKs on, and track their location.

DataSphere monitors VMDK activity and transparently moves
data to the best storage type based on vSphere Storage Policy Based Management (SPBM), fully
automating VMDK management through vCenter. For example, VM Storage Polices can have DataSphere
automatically move VMDKs that have not been used in 30 days to colder storage
or move a VMDK that suddenly becomes hot to flash.

Supercharge Your VVOL Environment with DataSphere

DataSphere significantly enhance VVOL environments. This
gives IT the ability to add multiple vendor arrays of nearly any storage type
to a single VVOL datastore that is automatically remediated by VM Storage
Policies. Better still, it enables the enterprise to save money and accelerates
deployment by using VVOLs with their existing hardware.